Target (TGT) Tops Q4 EPS by 4c; Comps Rose 3.8%
Target (NYSE: TGT) reported Q4 EPS of $1.50, $0.04 better than the analyst estimate of $1.46. Revenue for the quarter came in at $21.8 billion versus the consensus estimate of $21.64 billion.
Fourth quarter comparable sales increased 3.8 percent, reflecting a 3.2 percent increase in comparable transactions. Digital channel sales contributed 0.9 percentage points to comparable sales growth.
Target recognized a pre-tax loss of $5.1 billion related to its discontinued Canadian operations, resulting in a $(5.59) loss per share. The tables attached to this press release provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures. All earnings per share figures refer to diluted earnings per share.
“We’re pleased with our fourth quarter financial results, which were driven by better-than-expected sales and particularly strong performance in our signature categories-style, baby, kids and wellness,” said Brian Cornell, chairman and chief executive officer of Target Corporation. “We’re seeing early momentum in our efforts to transform Target, and our team is entering the new fiscal year with a singular focus on continuing to differentiate our merchandise assortment and shopping experience while controlling costs by reducing complexity and simplifying the way we work. We’re confident that these efforts will allow us to grow our earnings while returning cash to our shareholders in 2015 and beyond, driving improvements in Target’s return on invested capital and creating long-term value for our shareholders.”
Target sees Q1 2015 EPS of $0.95 - $1.05, versus the consensus of $1.04.
For earnings history and earnings-related data on Target (TGT) click here.
